MER-2040 Software Instruction Manual
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4.0 M24-TEST
M24-TEST is a program that is designed to test your MER to confirm that it is operational. This
module has the ability to perform real-time data acquisition and storage in addition to reading
binary data files that have been previously stored using the "M24-PROF" or this program, M24-
TEST.
4.1
M24-TEST PROGRAM OPERATION
To start the program, move to the MERPROG directory and enter the command <M24-TEST>.
The program will begin by searching for the file labeled "DEFAULTS.CFG". This file contains
the instructions directing the program's execution. If this program is not found, an error will
occur and program execution will stop. You will then have to make sure that this file is found on
the default drive/path (i.e., in the MERPROG directory).
M24-TEST will next display the communications port address (COM1 or COM2) specifying
where the MER is connected to your computer, and then will prompt you to select between the
available calibration files. Next, you will be shown a table of operational parameters from the
calibration file. Its primary purpose is to allow you to review the number of active channels in
the instruments and the serial number of the instrument and choose another calibration file if
necessary.
After calibration file selection, you will be presented the M24-TEST menu shown in Figure 4.1.
To proceed further, you must have your MER connected to the appropriate com port and
powered on. The following section details the options available in the M24-TEST menu.
4.2
M24-TEST PROGRAM OPTIONS
<A>
ALL CHANNELS IN UNITS
This option will display calibrated data in units such as meters, degrees, microwatts, cm², etc.
The data is calibrated, formatted (position of the decimal point) and labeled (e.g., "Depth")
using specifications in the calibration file. If frequency channels are available with your
instrument, salinity and density will be displayed as well as temperature and conductivity
parameters. This display, like all numerical (not graphics) displays in this program, can be
captured on paper by pressing the <PRTSCRN> key, assuming you have a printer connected.
The All Channels in Units display will be updated continuously as new records are
read/acquired and displayed. Notice that the second line of the all channels display contains
the Record Number. To pause the display (and many others in this program), just press the
<space bar>. When you want to resume updating the screen with new readings, press the
<space bar> again. To return to the master menu, press the <ESC> key at any time. Note that
if you are in the TEST MODE, the record counter will point to the last data record read and NOT
AT THE START OF THE DATA FILE!.
